TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Alabama landed its first transfer portal commitment of the winter window on Tuesday night when Florida defensive lineman Kelby Collins announced his commitment to the Tide. Collins, a former four-star recruit from Gardendale, Alabama, has two years of eligibility left and is counted on to be an immediate impact player for Alabama’s defense in 2025.

In two years at Florida, Collins recorded 29 tackles, three sacks and 15 quarterback hurries in 18 career games.

Roll tide😁

— Kelby Collins (@kelby_collins) December 18, 2024

What does this mean for Alabama?

Collins, 6-foot-4 and 278 pounds, was a rising star at Florida in 2023 with 23 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, four quarterback hurries, a pass breakup and a forced fumble along the way his inclusion on the All-SEC Freshman Team and The athleteis the Freshman All-America team. He wasn’t as productive in 2024 with just six tackles in six games, but the potential is there.

Collins’ path is similar to current defensive lineman LT Overton – a highly ranked prospect who chose another program over Alabama out of high school but ended up with the Tide the second time around. This is a nod to the new college football landscape and the importance of relationships, where losing a recruiting battle in high school doesn’t cause the portal to close completely.

Most of Alabama’s staff did not join the program in 2023, but position coach Freddie Roach remains and played a key role in bringing Collins to Tuscaloosa. The addition of Overton has been beneficial for Alabama this season, and the hope is that Collins can produce something similar in 2025.

Roll tide😁

— Kelby Collins (@kelby_collins) December 18, 2024

Collins’ commitment fills a glaring need for the 2025 defense on the defensive line. The Tide could lose their entire starting unit and Overton, Tim Keenan, Tim Smith and Jah-Marien Latham could all leave for the NFL after this season. Collins’ physical profile fits the Bandits position (where Overton and Latham play) as a defensive end with pass rush responsibilities.

Collins’ performance is encouraging and he will join rising star James Smith to form a defensive line that will look very different next season.

With Collins’ commitment and the return of Jaylen Mbakwe and Danny Lewis Jr. to the team, Alabama has a total of 85 scholarships through 2025. This number includes current Alabama players who have not yet made NFL decisions.

Collins probably won’t be the last addition to the portal. Alabama is looking to add at several positions, including wide receiver, offense and defense, and linebacker.

(Photo: Matt Pendleton / USA Today)